Discussing Cisco CCNA Training – Options

If Cisco training is your aspiration, and you’ve no practical experience with network switches or routers, you most probably should start with a CCNA course. This teaches you the necessary skills to set up and maintain routers. The world wide web is built up of many routers, and big organisations with several locations also rely on them to keep their networks in touch.

As routers are connected to networks, look for a course that includes basic networking skills – perhaps Network+ and A+, before getting going with CCNA. It’s essential to have some knowledge of how networks operate before you start a Cisco course or you’ll probably struggle. Once qualified and looking for work, you’ll benefit from having a good knowledge of networks in addition to the CCNA.

Getting your Cisco CCNA is all you need at this stage – you’re not ready for your CCNP straight away. Get a couple of years experience behind you first, then you will have a feel for if this next level is for you. If so, you’ll have significantly improved your chances of success – as your experience will help you greatly.

It’s essential to have the current Microsoft (or Cisco, CompTIA etc.) accredited exam simulation and preparation packages.

Due to the fact that a lot of examining boards for IT are from the USA, it’s essential to understand how exam questions will be phrased and formatted. It’s not sufficient simply answering any old technical questions – they must be in an exam format that exactly replicates the real thing.

It’s a good idea to have some simulated exam questions so you can check your knowledge at all times. Practice or ‘mock’ exams prepare you properly – then the actual exam is much easier.

Traditional teaching in classrooms, using textbooks and whiteboards, can be pretty hard going sometimes. If you’re nodding as you read this, find training programs which have a majority of interactive, multimedia parts.

We see a huge improvement in memory retention when multiple senses are involved – learning experts have been saying this for decades now.

Start a study-program in which you’ll get a host of CD and DVD based materials – you’ll begin by watching videos of instructors demonstrating the skills, and then have the opportunity to use virtual lab’s to practice your new skills.

Always insist on a demonstration of the study materials from your training provider. The package should contain demo’s from instructors, slideshows and lab’s for you to practice your skills in.

Purely on-line training should be avoided. Ideally, you should opt for CD and DVD ROM courseware where available, enabling them to be used at your convenience – and not be totally reliant on your internet connection always being ‘up’ and available.

Speak with a knowledgeable advisor and you’ll be surprised by their many horror stories of students who’ve been conned by dodgy salespeople. Only deal with a skilled professional that asks some in-depth questions to uncover the best thing for you – not for their pay-packet! Dig until you find the right starting point of study for you.

Remember, if you’ve had any relevant work-experience or certification, then you will often be able to start at a different point than someone new to the industry.

If this is going to be your initial effort at studying for an IT examination then you should consider whether to practice with some basic Microsoft package and Windows skills first.

Student support is absolutely essential – look for a package that provides 24×7 direct access, as anything less will not satisfy and will also hold up your pace and restrict your intake.

Don’t buy training courses that only support trainees with an out-sourced call-centre message system when it’s outside of usual working hours. Companies will try to talk you round from this line of reasoning. But, no matter how they put it – you want support at the appropriate time – not as-and-when it’s suitable for their staff.

It’s possible to find professional training packages who give students online support all the time – including evenings, nights and weekends.

Seek out an educator that goes the extra mile. Only proper round-the-clock 24×7 support delivers what is required.

Written by Scott Edwards. Go to CCNA Certification or Click HERE.